Fire extinguisher



Aug. 13, 1935.

P. A. STOVER ET AL FIRE EXTINGUISHER Filed May 14, 1954 FI ci uRE Z .INVENTRS' ATTORNEY Patented Aug. 13, 1935 s 'y Paul A. Stover and Louis B. Miller,

vSan Francisco, Calif.

Application May 14, 1934, serial No. 725,530

3 Claims.

The present invention relates particularly to that type of re extinguisher wherein a fire extinguishing liquid is released from a closed container through the action of an abnormally high temperature.

It is one object of the invention to provide ay device of the character indicated so constructed and arranged as to obviate the necessity of providing the frangible container of the fire extinguishing liquid now so commonly in use.

It is another objecty of 'the invention to provide an automatically operated fire extinguisher that will be economical to manufacture,` simple in form and construction, strong, durable, positivey in operation, and highly efficient in its practical application.

In the drawing:

Figure 1 is a side elevation of a device embodying our invention in position and ready for use.

Figure 2 is a side elevation of the same in position for discharging.

Figure 3 is a section through the discharge end of one embodiment of the invention.

Figure 4 is a section through the -discharge end of another embodiment of the invention.

Figure 5 is a section through the discharge end of still another embodiment of the invention.

Referring now more particularly to the drawing, We show at I a hollow cylinder made of tin or any other suitable material having a closed bottom end 2 and a top end 2 having holes4 formed therein.

At 5 is a cap member of suicient size to cover all of the holes 4, and this cap is soldered to top 3 With a fusible alloy that melts at a predetermined temperature. This cap is preferably bowed as at 6 and soldered completely around the edge at I in such a manner as to. completely seal off the several apertures or holes from communi'cation with the outside atmosphere. To the top of the cap 5 is secured a ring 8.

A bail 9 is mounted on the container I at points disposed below the center of gravity of the same as at lil-IIJ, and this bail is passed through the ring 8 as at II some distance above the connection of the ring to the cap 5.

Assuming the container I to have been lled l support I3 by means of a hook I4 engaging the ring 8. In this position the bail 9 is inoperative.

In the event of a fire the hot air circulating around the cap 5 heats the same and also the air pocketed beneath it, and melts the fusible alloy at 1. When this occurs the'weight of the lled receptacle causes it to drop so that the bail 3 seats upon and is supported by the ring 8 and thereby becomes operative to support the container I. But since the bail is connected to the container below its center of gravity the container immediately overturns as shown in Figure 2 and its contents is discharged through the orifices 4.v 1

' If desiredthe container I may be refilledand the cap 5 replaced, after which the device is again ready for use.

In the embodiment of the invention shown in Figure 4 a laterally extending flange I5 is lformed on the container I and a cap member I6 soldered spaced from the top 3 the heated air has access toY and melts the alloy in the holes and thus permits discharge of the contents of the container.

A particular advantage of this invention is that the liquid in the container does not contact the fusible alloy and the sealing is so effected that vit is subjected to the full effect of the currents of heated air generated by the fire. Furthermore Where a frangible container is used the contents is discharged in a body, and if it is desired to secure rapid diffusion of the liquid some additional means must be provided, While the present invention permits inclusion of the diffusion means in the container itself.

Another advantage is that when the temperature of the room in whichY the unit is installed y rises beyond a predetermined point the expansion of the vapor given off by the carbon tetrachloride forces the cap 5 01T of the container the instant the fusible alloy softens, thermo-dynamically controlling the operating means of the entire unit.

embodiments of theinvention, changes in form, construction, and method of assembly and operation, may be made within the scope of the appended claims. We claim:

1. An automatic fire extinguisher comprising,

therein above its center of gravity, heat responsive sealing means for said openings having a hanger attached thereto, a bail pivotally connected to the container below its center of gravity and passing through said hanger in spaced relation to its point of attachment to the sealing means.

2.- An automatic re extinguisher comprising, ay containerhaving discharge openings formed therein above its center of gravity, heat responsive sealing means for 'said openings provided with a hanger, a memberpivotally connectedto the container below its center of gravity andextending upwardly to a point adjacent :saidhanger r4,011,327 l l L; s Y but spaced therefrom and movablerinto engagement with the hanger to tip the container when the'sealing means is released.

3. In a device of the character described, aY

container for re extinguishing material having openings formed in one end thereof and having an outwardly directed ange associated therewith and encompassing the openings, and a closure seated upon the ange'and disposed overthe said openings and sealed to theqiiange With a fusible alloy disposed out of contact with the contents of the container but subject to the eiect of heat through both the ange and closure. Y

' PAUL A. STOVER.

.` LOUIS B. MILLER. 

